Isolation helps us stay healthy. Also, it reveals the opportunities we used to disregard before. Now you have the chance to read all the books from your wish list or master a bundle of video conference technologies. If you've been dreaming of making your own website, the time has come. All you need to do is to Google search the phrase "make my own website free." You'll be surprised how engaging it can be!
Isolation isn't, however, what we are meant for. So while we slowly get used to the strolls on our balconies and even joke about planning trips to the fridge, we can't help imagining what we will be doing the next day after this lockdown ends. Many of us had some vacation planned (some even had tickets bought) for this spring and summer, and now everything's up in the air. How and when will we be able to travel safely after COVID-19? And what will traveling the world look like after the virus outbreak ends and countries open their borders?
Tourism will bounce back soon. The itch for traveling probably won't
Tourism is a pretty resilient industry, and it usually quickly comes back to the norm after disasters and pandemics. It is unlikely that the 2020 coronavirus lockdown will become an exception. Be sure that, as in many countries, tourism is the major source of income, they will do everything to get it back on track very fast. So, your favorite destinations will soon come back to you and even with alluring discounts.
People who already had their vocation booked are likely to execute their trips as soon as the freeze is lifted. Others, however, will be more careful. They will prefer quick trips across their native countries to long cross-border vacations. Most of the people will favor road trips over cruising and flying for reasons of safety and economy alike, and they will probably be right.
When and where can we travel safely after the coronavirus outbreak?
"When?" is a hard question, and no one is ready to answer now. If you have your trip booked for April, you should probably think about postponing it. During the pandemic, many hotels and airlines enable you to cancel or postpone your trip without any penalty. May is going to be more optimistic; however, it will depend on the particular country's progress in coronavirus measures.
Most West-European countries plan to come out of quarantine by May. Other countries that had later outbreaks may prolong the lockdown until summer. So, our oh-so-desired summer vacation isn't hopefully at risk. In any case, we still recommend monitoring the situation and checking the latest updates for the particular destination. Real-time data provided by the Johns Hopkins Institute's coronavirus resource center is a reliable resource. On the example of China, we know that, with the best measures taken, a country needs at least two months to cope with the COVID-19 crisis. Assume it will take two weeks longer - better safe than sorry.
Tips on staying safe while traveling after coronavirus
Experts recommend avoiding nonessential travel rights after the borders are open, especially if you are at a higher risk of getting complications related to COVID-19.
Opening the borders doesn't mean that the spreading of the virus has stopped, and it no longer threatens you. The precautions should be taken as before. Keep the distance, keep your hands clean, avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes, avoid contact with the contaminated surfaces, and use antiseptic wipes or gels containing at least 60 percent alcohol. We know, hearing it here and there sucks, but the coronavirus is likely to stay with us for months.
Don't be lured by bargain deals. Low prices and bad sanitary conditions often go hand in hand. Stay clear of unknown operators and go with the trusted brands instead.
Consider destinations (countries) that showcase prominent progress in overcoming coronavirus crisis, which is a sign of a good public health system.
Buy a good travel insurance plan. Ideally, it must include the "cancel for any reason" option and emergency medical transportation coverage in addition to the standard emergency medical coverage.
There are practically no places on Earth with no reported cases of coronavirus. Even if you book a trip to the area with no reported outbreak, be prepared to cancel your trip any moment if the outbreak happens or - if you catch it there - to get quarantined in that country.